Centuries ago, no one had heard of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression did not just start in this century. PPD has been around for a very long time. Many years ago, doctors did not have a name for it other than “baby blues.” It was thought that a new mother suffered from anxiety, mood swings, depression, exhaustion, and stress briefly after childbirth only. It was often considered a challenging time for a woman trying to cope with becoming a new mother due to the hormonal changes shifting back to the pre-pregnancy stage. In the past, doctors believed a lot of women went through this stage usually within a brief time frame after childbirth and eventually resolves itself shortly afterwards.
Throughout centuries, it was thought that a woman who had suffered from “baby blues” during their first pregnancy should not have any problems with any of their other pregnancies. It was simply a part of being a mother for the very first time and was thought that all women went through this stage. Although the “baby blues” stage is part of postpartum depression, PPD is different because it does not resolve by itself. Treatment is necessary; if left untreated, symptoms can become critical. Postpartum depression can develop regardless of each pregnancy. This is whether a woman has one pregnancy or multiple pregnancies.
Years ago, it was believed to occur only within the first year after childbirth. However, studies are now leaning towards the fact that PPD can occur sooner, such as during a pregnancy. This can increase the risk of women suffering severe depression throughout their entire pregnancy and after childbirth. Unfortunately, further studies have shown that postpartum depression can also develop in women who experience a pregnancy loss, the birth of a stillborn, trauma during pregnancy; even women who go through adoption or even women who have a tough time getting pregnant can experience PPD. I personally do not believe the medical field has a solid idea of what causes PPD.
More research needs to be done to understand the “why” that some women experience PPD and incur more serious symptoms than just a short phase of “baby blues” that can later develop into postpartum psychosis, which is a dangerous state of mind. According to the 2026 Mental Health Stats website, “Postpartum depression {PPD} is a widespread issue, with about 1 in 8 new mothers in the U.S. reporting symptoms, affecting over 460,00 women annually.” There are times when this rate can be even higher. What is the reason as to “why” some women go through this while others do not have any problems? It is still a mystery in the medical field.
It is difficult for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention {CDC} to furnish a complete number as to how many women are diagnosed with PPD every year. According to the Postpartum Depression.org website, “Younger mothers and those with a pre-existing history of depression are at a higher risk.” Could it be that these women may have problems with a form of serious mental illness before pregnancy? Regrettably, postpartum depression left unnoticed and untreated can lead to postpartum psychosis. In the United States today, postpartum psychosis is now considered the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, or infant deaths, and sadly, it is often overlooked.
Suicide is higher among women who suffer from postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis when medical care is not provided. Postpartum psychosis is classified as a serious mood disorder. Studies suggest that mood symptoms can also involve psychotic symptoms. A minority of women experience intense sadness, overwhelming feelings, emptiness, loss of hope, lack of energy, reduced eating habits, anxiety, profound changes in their sleeping habits, periods of crying and frustration, regular irritability, decreased interest in their environment, and at some point, may start to experience hallucinations and delusions. Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency!
There is a significant difference when hallucinations and delusions are involved. Hallucinations are when an individual believes they can see, hear, and even smell things that do not exist. Delusions are false beliefs based on an individual’s distorted perception of an idea. According to The Washington Post, “There is still poor awareness of postpartum psychosis, mainly because it is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the reference book of diagnoses for mental health clinicians” yet as a serious mental illness. The main question here is whether there is a significant difference between postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.
The answer is “YES!” There is a significant difference between these conditions. They require distinct reactions to adjust to the needs of both conditions based on the symptoms displayed. However, both conditions can demolish a mother or any woman who suffers from postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis the ability to function. Family members should be made aware of the differences between postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Especially if there are early symptoms of depression during a pregnancy and specifically if there is a history of mental illness in a female before the start of pregnancy or for other reasons.
It is important to seek medical care for both conditions. Especially with postpartum psychosis, although it is rare, with an active case, it is considered a critical emergency, and treatment is needed immediately. Presently, there are more reports of postpartum psychosis than ever before. Personally, there is not enough attention given to postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis even now. However, advocacy groups have helped to raise more awareness of postpartum psychosis. In the United States, May 1 is now recognized as Postpartum Psychosis Awareness Day. If you, a loved one, or someone you know suffering from PPD, seek help, or encourage getting help, or call for help.So my main question …”Should postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis be fully considered a mental illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) book?“
For Help Call the following Numbers Listed Below:
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-888-TLC-MAMA
Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-800-944-4773
Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call 911 for an Immediate emergency!
References
https://mhstats.org/conditions/postpartum-depression
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/depression/index.html
https://www.postpartumdepression.org/resources/statistic
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2026/08/15/3-misconceptions-about-postpartum-psychosis
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